Candida Sp Research Articles

The Anti-Virulence Effect of Vismia guianensis against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.

In folk medicine, Vismia guianensis is used to treat skin diseases and mycoses in the Amazon region. We evaluated the anti-Candida activity of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Vismia guianensis (EHVG). HPLC-PDA and FIA-ESI-IT-MSn were used to chemically characterize EHVG. The anti-Candida activity was determined in vitro by the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Candida glabrata (ATCC-2001); Candida albicans (ATCC-90028, ATCC-14053, and ATCC-SC5314), and C. albicans clinical isolates. EHVG effects on adhesion, growth, and biofilm formation were also determined. Molecular docking was used to predict targets for EHVG compounds. The main compounds identified included anthraquinone, vismione D, kaempferol, quercetin, and vitexin. EHVG was fungicidal against all tested strains. C. albicans ATCC 14053 and C. glabrata ATCC 2001 were the most sensitive strains, as the extract inhibited their virulence factors. In silico analysis indicated that vismione D presented the best antifungal activity, since it was the most effective in inhibiting CaCYP51, and may act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, according to the online PASS prediction. Overall, the data demonstrate that EHVG has an anti-Candida effect by inhibiting virulence factors of the fungi. This activity may be related to its vismione D content, indicating this compound may represent a new perspective for treating diseases caused by Candida sp.

468. Assessment of The Proportion of Hospitalized Patients (Pts) with Candidemia (C) and Invasive Candidiasis without Candidemia (IC) Who Received an Echinocandin (EC) and Were Potentially Eligible for an Earlier Hospital Discharge (HD)

Abstract Background The primary driver of costs for C/IC pts is hospital length of stay. Studies across multiple infections demonstrate that most clinically stable pts with modest diagnostic & therapeutic requirements can be safely discharged prior to actual HD day. Few studies have assessed if there is an opportunity to accelerate time to HD in pts with C/IC. This study sought to determine the proportion of US hospitalized adult pts with C/IC who received an EC near HD & was potentially eligible for an earlier HD. Methods Design: Retrospective, multi-centered observational study using Premier Healthcare Database (1/2016-4/2019). Study criteria: hospitalized; age ≥ 18 years; Candida sp. on a culture consistent with C/IC; ≥3 days of an EC for C/IC; discharged alive; & received an EC near HD (-2 day to HD day). Pts were considerable potentially dischargeable if they met the following 3 criteria & maintained these 3 criteria until HD: resided on a non-ICU hospital ward, taking oral medications, & had no receipt of any diagnostic/therapeutic interventions (insertion of PICC lines were permitted). The difference in hospital days between first potentially eligible HD day & actual HD day was quantified. The proportion of pts that was potentially eligible for an earlier HD was examined overall & by Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI), C/IC, & Candida sp. Results During study period, 1,599 pts received an EC ≥ 3 days for C/IC & were discharged alive. Of the 1,599 pts, 1,008 (63%) were on an EC near HD. For the 1,008 pts on an EC near HD, the mean (SD) age was 59 (16) years, 52% were male, 40% had a CCI ≥4, 35% were in the ICU on index C/IC culture day, & 64% had C vs IC. C. glabrata (31%) & C. albicans (31%) were the most frequent Candida. sp. Of the 1,008 pts on an EC near HD, 14%, 21%, 29%, & 38% were potentially dischargeable 4, 3, 2, & 1 day(s), respectively, prior to the actual HD day (Figure). The proportion of pts who were potentially eligible for HD at least 2 days prior to actual HD day did not vary by CCI score, C/IC, & Candida sp. Conclusion Our findings suggest that a high proportion of hospitalized pts with C/IC receiving an EC near the time of HD, had modest diagnostic/therapeutic requirements prior to actual HD day & were potentially eligible for an earlier HD regardless of CCI, infection type, or Candida sp. Disclosures Thomas Lodise, Jr., Pharm.D., PhD, BioFire Diagnostics: Grant/Research Support|cidara: Advisor/Consultant|cidara: Honoraria|Entasis: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Paratek: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Spero: Advisor/Consultant|Venatrox: Advisor/Consultant Kevin W. Garey, PharmD, MS, Acurx: Grant/Research Support|cidara: Advisor/Consultant|cidara: Grant/Research Support|Paratek: Grant/Research Support|Seres Health: Grant/Research Support|Summit: Grant/Research Support Brian H. Nathanson, Ph.D., cidara: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support.

Characterization of microorganisms associated with the degradation of sawdust and woodchips

Microorganisms play a vital role in the degradation of organic matters such as Sawdust and woodchips. In this study, the Serial dilution method and pour plate techniques were used according to microbiological standards. The media used were nutrient agar, sabouraud dextrose agar, and cellulolytic medium to identify microorganisms and inoculated them into the Sawdust and woodchips and kept for 30 days at 37oC and 25oC. The total viable bacterial count for Sawdust and woodchips ranged between 9.0×103 - 6.0×103and 1.96×103 - 1.48×103, respectively. A total of 12 organisms were identified according to the biochemical reactions, six bacteria, and six fungi. Bergy’s manual of determinative bacteriology confirmed the organism as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Cellulomona sp. The fungal species identified include Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida sp, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The bacteria with the highest potential to degrade Sawdust and Woodchips are Cellulomonas sp. (20.9%), Klebsiella sp (17.8%), Escherichia coli (8.3%), Bacillus cereus (7.15%), and Staphylococcus sp (6.2%). Furthermore, the fungi capable of degrading the Sawdust and woodchips are Mucor sp (19.90%), Aspergillus flavus (17.8%), Aspergillus niger (17.3%), Rhizopus (16.9%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (15.55%). From these results, it can be concluded that some microorganisms could be used for the biodegradation of lignocellulose materials.

Mannitol Production from Fructose by Using Resting Cells of Methylotrophic Yeasts

Background: Mannitol is a polyol sugar widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries which can be produced by bioconversion. Using of resting cells and methanol as a carbon source are strategies to increase the efficiency of mannitol production by increasing NAD(P)H needed in the reduction process. Objectives: This research aimed to optimize bioconversion condition by using resting cells of methylotrophic yeasts with methanol and fructose as carbon source and substrate, respectively. Methods: Several isolates were used including Candida sp, Debaryomyces nepalensis and Debaryomyces hansenii and three species suspected to be yeast isolated from a local paddy field. The methylotrophic characteristic of the yeasts was screened by turbidometry. The optimization of fermentation condition was conducted by varying cultivation time (24-96 hours), resting cell concentration (30-140 mg/mL), fructose concentration (7.5-15%), ammonium sulphate concentration (0.25-0.75%) and aeration condition (50-80%). Quantitative analysis of the mannitol was conducted by HPLC with NH2 column and Refractive Index Detector. Results: D. hansenii showed the highest yield value in mannitol production (23.17%), followed by D. nepalensis, Isolate A and Candida sp. (6.52%, 6.50% and 4.38%, respectively). Variation of bioconversion condition using D. hansenii showed that the highest resting cell concentration (140 mg/mL) incubated for 72 hours, moderate fructose concentration (10%), the highest ammonium sulphate concentration (0.75%) and moderate aeration condition (70%) would result in the highest yield value of mannitol (60%). Conclusion: This finding showed the potency of D. hansenii in mannitol production and gave preliminary information of its optimum fermentation condition.

Green synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using the extract of Rheum ribes and evaluating their antifungal activity against some of Candida sp.

The synthesis of nanoparticles by green method using plant extracts and its application in the biomedical consider a prosperous field of research. Therefore, in this paper, Rheum plant was used as a reducing agent in synthesis silver nanoparticles and testing its effectiveness as anti-fungal. Silver Nanoparticles have been characterized using different techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. Where the result of the examination UV-Vis showed absorption peaks of silver nanoparticles which formatted at wavelength (425) and XRD test confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles clearly through compare peaks resulted with JCPDS card. It revealed the spectra of FTIR the existence of amine and aliphatic esters, that are involved in reducing and stabilizing AgNPs. Examination of TEM revealed that the silver nanoparticles were spherical shape and with an average size of 5-45 nm. Finally, the synthesized silver nanoparticles showed a good antifungal activity against some Candida sp. by observe inhibition zones that obtained.

Comparison of Antifungal Susceptibility Basil Leaves Extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), Eugenol, and Nystatin against Isolates of Candida spp. as Important Agent causing Oral Candidiasis in HIV/AIDS Patient

Background: Oral candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida sp. in areas of the oral mucosa that are often found in HIV/AIDS patients. Increased antifungal resistance, it was important to find new antifungal candidates, especially from natural ingredients, basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) which had major compound of eugenol that had an antifungal effect in inhibiting of Candida sp. Purpose: To evaluate the comparison of the antifungal susceptibility of nystatin, basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) and eugenol against isolates of Candida sp. Methods: This study examined the comparison of the antifungal susceptibility of nystatin 100 IU, basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) with doses equivalent to 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL eugenol, and eugenol 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL against 40 stored isolates of Candida sp. from the oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patient which was reactivated. Result: The mean inhibition zone of nystatin for all isolates was 22.98 mm, while the mean inhibition zone of eugenol with doses of 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL were 17.07 mm and 15.89 mm, and the mean inhibition zone of basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) with doses equivalent to 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL eugenol are 14.87 mm and 14.01 mm. The inhibition zone of basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) and eugenol was significantly lower than nystatin (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The zone of inhibition of nystatin was significantly higher compared to basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) and eugenol against Candida albicans and Candida non-albicans isolates.

Profile of onychomycosis in dermatology outpatient department at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia periods 2016-2017

Introduction: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that causes discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. Onychomycosis is caused by various organisms, most often dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton. Other organisms include Candida, which is more common in fingernail infections and patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Nondermatophyte molds are a less common cause in the general population. This study aimed to identify sex, age, classification, fungal culture, treatment, and incident of secondary infection in onychomycosis at Dermatology Outpatient Department at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar Periods January 2016 – December 2017.
 Methods: Study design using descriptive retrospective model done by taking data from medical record in Dermatology Outpatient Department at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar Periods 2016-2017.
 Result: There were 268 patients in Dermatovenereology Outpatient Department at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar, 29 (10,82%) of whom were diagnosed with onychomycosis in Periods 2016-2017. According to age group, the most cases occur in 26-65 year age groups. Females were more frequently affected than males. The most classification finding is distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis and the most commonly isolated fungi were yeasts from the Candida species. The most commonly given therapy is a combination therapy of systemic antifungal with topical. Fluconazole is the most common drug that uses orally and ciclopirox as topical agent.
 Conclusions: Onychomycosis is one of the common fungal infection observed in patient attending dermatology outpatient department with the most classification finding is distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis. The most commonly isolated fungi were Candida sp.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Atama (Heinsia crinita) and its Fungal Pathogens

The research on the assessment of nutritional composition of fresh Atama (Heinsia crinta) leaves and it’s associated pathogens was carried out. Atama leaves were purchased from Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt, Nigeria and analysed in the Laboratory of the Department Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, washed and sent to the Department of Food Science and Technology for assessment of the Nutrient quality.The results of the Proximate analysis of fresh Atama leaf revealed that the leaf is rich in 26.4±0.1 of moisture, 4.3±0.1 of ash, 15.2±0.1 of lipid, 15.4±0.1 of fibre, 18.4±0.2 for protein and carbohydrate for 20.07±0.2. Mineral assessment revealed the presence of calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus. However, calcium was (300mg/300mg), iron (50mg/50mg), magnesium (156mg/156mg), phosphorus (149mg/149mg), potassium, sodium (52mg/53mg). Determination of vitamin revealed only the presence of vitamin A,C, and Thaimime. Phytochemical screening showed the availability of carotenoid, polyphenol, flavonoid, lignan, while anti nutrient, showed glycoside, oxalate but no values for saponin. Three fungal organisms (saccharomyces cerevisiae, candida sp and Mucor spp) were isolated to be responsible for the spoilage of Heinsia crinita. However saccharomyces cerevisiae sp had an incidence of 20% and candida spp with an incidence of 20% and Mucor spp had an incidence of 60% respectively. Consumption of Atama leaf is advised as they supply adequate energy and minerals for metabolic processes needed in maintenance of life, although it still prone to fungi spoilage.

Recent ostracods as ecological indicators and its applications: An example from the southern Tibetan Plateau

• Environmental significance of ostracods in the Yamdrok-tso basin is disclosed. • Potential of ostracods in inferring natural and anthropogenic influences is assessed. • Ostracod-based transfer functions for Ca, salinity, and alkalinity perform well. • Transfer functions for water quality status are developed for the first time. • Models for water quality status can qualitatively infer anthropogenic influences. Recent ostracods, so-called ‘modern analogues’ of ostracod fossils, are systematically correlated to the ambient environment. The reveal on the ecological response of Recent ostracods to environment variables can contribute to infer the paleolimnology or paleoclimate history based on fossil records. Here we analyzed 49 surface samples collected from the Yamdrok-tso basin in the southern Tibetan Plateau, disclosed the environmental significance of ostracods as ecological indicators, and evaluated the potential of ostracods in inferring natural and potential anthropogenic influences. The results show that ostracods including 12 species within 8 genera are extracted, i.e., one predominant species Leucocytherella sinensis , two abundant species Tonnacypris estonica and Ilyocypris bradyi , and nine less abundant species Leucocythere dorsotuberosa , Fabaeformiscandona gyirongensis , Candona candida , Heterocypris salina , I. echinata , F. caudata , Herpetocypris reptans , C. xizangensis , and Ilyocypris sp. Confronting with calcium content, salinity condition, and alkalinity of the host water, the abundant species have different optima and tolerance ranges. I. bradyi is characterized as mesotitanophilic to polytitanophilic and freshwater to α-oligohaline species adapting to low to moderate alkalinity conditions, while T. estonica is characterized as oligotitanophilic to mesotitanophilic and β-oligohaline species bearing moderate to high alkalinity condition. L. sinensis is an oligotitanophilic to mesotitanophilic and freshwater to polymixohaline species with a wide alkalinity tolerance range. Ostracods show different reaction with respect to heavy metal(loid)s. Most species are sensitive to Pb, Cu, and Ni, and resistant to Ba, As, and U. The developed transfer functions for calcium, salinity, alkalinity, and water quality status imply that it is with considerable potential to infer the natural and anthropogenic influences in the quantitative or qualitative way. Our study provides a new sight of Recent ostracods as ecological indicators and its applications, especially for the indication of water quality status at the first time, and could contribute to develop good ostracod-based proxies for paleoclimate research.

Advanced simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal for non-sterile wastewater through a novel coupled yeast-sludge system: Performance, microbial interaction, and mechanism

A novel coupled yeast-sludge system (CYSS) was constructed by the yeast Candida sp. PNY integrated with activated sludge to treat non-sterile mainstream wastewater. After 240-day cultivation, compared with single activated sludge, simultaneous removal efficiency of total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen and phosphorus increased by 19.5% (176.34 mg TOC g−1 d−1), 21.3% (11.25 mg TN g−1 d−1) and 15.0% (6.95 mg TP g−1 d−1), respectively, while the amount of sludge reduced by 50%. Amplicon sequencing analysis showed that the abundance of Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Zoogloea, Dechloromonas, and Candidatus Accumulibacter significantly decreased to 0% on Day 200. Abundance of nirS and nirK for denitrification significantly decreased in CYSS by quantitative PCR (qPCR), and the copies of nirS and nirK were 3.37-fold and 1.71-fold decrease from Day 0 to Day 240, respectively. The results of Fluorescence in situ hybridization and co-occurrence network showed that Candida sp. PNY predominated its distribution in CYSS, and strongly connected with environmental variables based on network analysis. Furthermore, this study reconstructed the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolic pathways of the CYSS based on metagenomics.

P416 Efficient and accurate diagnosis of otomycosis using an ensemble deep learning model

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesOtomycosis accounts for ˃15% of the cases with external otitis worldwide. And otomycosis is more frequently observed in humid regions and people enjoying the culture of ear cleaning in China. Aspergillus and Candida are the major pathogens that could cause long-term infection. Early endoscopic and microbiological examinations are important for appropriate medical treatment to otomycosis. However, accurate diagnosis always needs experts such as otologist and microbiologist. Deep learning model is a novel efficient method to provide quick diagnosis which is an automatically diagnostic program using a large database of images acquired in the cliniC. This paper puts forward a mechanic learning model to address the diagnosis of otomycosis caused by Aspergillus and Candida accurately and quickly.MethodsWe proposed a computer-aided decision system that is based on a deep learning model consisting of two subsystems, a java-based web application, and picture classification. The web application subsystem mainly provides a user-friendly page for collecting consulted pictures as well as displaying the calculation results. The picture classification subsystem mainly uses trained neural network models for end-to-end data inference. The end user only needs to upload a few pictures of the ear endoscope, and the system will return the classification results to the user in the form of category probability value.In order to accurately diagnose otomycosis, we generally kept endoscopic images and took the secretion for fungal culture for further identification. Positive fluorescence fungal staining, culture, and further DNA sequencing were taken to confirm the pathogens, Aspergillus or Candida sp. In addition, impacted cerumen, external otitis, and normal external auditory canal endoscopic images are retained for reference. We merged these four types of images into an endoscopic images gallery.ResultsIn order to achieve better accuracy and generalization ability after model training, we selected 2750 samples from nearly 4000 ear endoscopic images as training samples and 454 as validation samples. On the selection of deep neural network models, we tested the resnet, senet, and efficientnet neural network models with different numbers of layers. Considering the accuracy and operation speed, we finally chose the efficientnet-b6 model and output the probability values of the four categories of otomycosis, external otitis, impacted cerumen, and normal cases. After multiple iterative sample training, the overall validation sample accuracy reached 94.71%, and the average cross-validation accuracy of the 4 classifications reached 94.3%.ConclusionThe results suggest that the system can be used as a reference for general practitioners to make better decisions in the diagnosis of otomycosis.

P017 Echinocandin resistance mechanism in Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjective Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata account for 41.6% and 7.08% of total Candidaemia cases in India. Echinocandins are the first-line treatment option for these infections. Resistance to Echinocandins is rare with Candida sp. However, in recent years, has been noted across many centers. We determined the mechanism of echinocandin resistance in C. tropicalis and C. glabrata.Methods C. tropicalis and C. glabrata isolated from Candidaemia patients over a period of 3 years (August 2016-July 2019), identified by MALDI-TOF-MS were used in this study. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done following CLSI broth microdilution reference method (M 27A). FKS1 gene was sequenced using species-specific primers for the presence of any mutation. To determine any changes in the cell wall chitin and glucan contents, expression fold changes of chitin synthase (CHS1, CHS2, and CHS3), and glucan synthase genes upon caspofungin treatment were determined using real-time qPCR. These findings were correlated with cell wall chitin and glucan content determined by flowcytometry.ResultsA total of 3558 Candida species were isolated from patients of all age groups at our hospital. C. tropicalis was the predominant agent (34%), while the prevalence of C. glabrata was 6%. A total of 17 (8.5%) C. glabrata and 3 (0.25%) C. tropicalis exhibited reduced susceptibility to echinocandins. All these isolates carried a wild-type FKS genes.In C. tropicalis, inducible expression of Chs1, Chs2 and Chs3 genes were comparable among susceptible and resistant isolates1.8 (0.4-2.8) vs. 2.5 (0.9-6.6), P = .247); [0.7 (0.3-1.8) vs. 0.7 (0.2-1.6), P = .793]; [1.3 (0.14-4.8) vs. 1.1(0.48-1.7), P = .522], respectively. In concordance with gene expression, there was no significant difference in cell wall chitin contents among resistant and susceptible [14.37 (6.5-24.8) vs 16.28 (6.0-24.7), P = .114] C. tropicalis isolates. In contrast in resistant isolates of C. glabrata, caspofungin treatment resulted in significantly higher induction of chitin synthase genes compared to susceptible isolates; Chs1 [2.34 (0.24-9.71) vs. 1.56 (0.55-4.5) (P = .007)], CHS2 [1.59 (0.33-8.0) vs. (2.3 (0.69-6.15), P = .0006], and CHS3 gene [3.8 (0.13-12.73) vs. 1.9 (0.56-7.16), P <.0001]. Flowcytometric data in terms of chitin content, correlated well with expression changes as staining index was significantly higher in resistant compared to susceptible isolates [320 (198-535) vs. 164 (5.34-254.10) P = .0001]. Glucan synthase expression was comparable in susceptible and resistant isolates of C. tropicalis [3.47 (1.57-7.63) vs. 4.41 (0.41-17.51), (P = .518)]. However, glucan synthase gene expression was found significantly increased in resistant C. glabrata isolates compared to susceptible isolates; 3.10 (1.02-16.45) vs. 1.61 (0.13-7.67), P <.001.ConclusionWe evaluated the role of cell wall components in echinocandin resistance in isolates with reduced susceptibility to echinocandins but lacking an FKS1 mutation. While chitin was induced at higher levels in C. glabrata, a similar finding was not observed in C. tropicalis. This warrants further studies to elucidate the role of fungal cell wall polymers in resistance.

A comparative study of in-vitro and in-silico anti-candidal activity and GC-MS profiles of snow mountain garlic vs. normal garlic.

The study aimed to profile the volatile phytocomposition of snow mountain garlic (SMG) compared to normal garlic and investigate the anti-Candida efficacy against clinically relevant multi-drug resistant isolates of Candida species. Herein, SMG has shown significantly superior fungicidal power at 2x-MIC dose against C. albicans and C. glabrata in killing kinetic evaluation unlike the fungistatic effect of normal garlic. GC-MS headspace-based profiling of SMG showed 5 unique volatile compounds and a 5-fold higher content of saponins than normal garlic. In an in-silico analysis, cholesta-4,6-dien-3-ol,(3-beta) was uniquely identified in SMG as a potential inhibitor with high binding affinity to the active site of exo-1,3-betaglucan synthase, an established anti-candida drug target crucial for the biofilm matrix formation, thus suggesting a plausible anti-Candida mechanism. The in-vitro and in-silico studies have demonstrated the Candida-cidal and anti-biofilm activities of SMG, distinguishing it from the Candida-static efficacy of normal garlic. This is the first report that identifies several phytochemical signatures of SMG along with a potential anti-Candida compound, that is cholesta-4,6-dien-3-ol,(3-beta)-, which appears worthy of detailed studies in the future to explore the utility of SMG as a fungal phytotherapy agent, especially against drug-resistant Candida sp.

Wickerhamomyces sinyiensis f.a., sp. nov., a new ascomycetous yeast species in the Wickerhamomyces clade isolated in Taiwan.

This study describes Wickerhamomyces sinyiensis, a new anamorphic ascomycetous yeast species, four strains of which were isolated from soil and the fruiting body of a mushroom in Taiwan between 2006 and 2007. Analysis of the sequences of the large-subunit rRNA, small-subunit rRNA and elongation factor-1α identified this species as a member of the Wickerhamomyces clade. The yeast strains of W. sinyiensis exhibited a 0-3 nucleotide difference in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA when compared to one another and a 10 and 11 nucleotide difference when compared to Candida sp. BG99-11-14-10-4-1 and NRRL Y-7574, the closest undescribed species, respectively. The yeast strains differed by 77 and 78 nucleotides from W. orientalis and W. bispora, the close Wickerhamomyces species, respectively. The internal transcribed spacer sequences of the four isolates exhibited a divergence of 106-108 substitutions from the recognized species W. xylosivorus. No sexual reproduction was observed. The strains differed from those of related species in terms of their carbon and nitrogen assimilation patterns. Therefore, this study proposes W. sinyiensis f.a., sp. nov. to accommodate these four strains, with W. sinyiensis BCRC 23185T (isotype CBS 11432T; MycoBank number MB563484) as the holotype.

Fungal Population in Farming Soils in a Community in Rivers State

Fungal population were studied from different farming soils in Rukpokwu community, in Rivers State. The control soil was collected from a non- farming soil. Soil samples were collected from different location using a hand auger at dept of 0-15cm and labeled A-F. Mycological and physicochemical analysis were done using standard procedures. The mean total fungal count ranged between 5.21×103 to 2.57×104 CFU/g. The lowest fungal counts were found in sample F (control), while the highest fungal counts were found in sample A. The predominant fungal isolates identified were Mucor sp, Microsporum sp, Candida sp, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus sp, Rhodotorula sp, Geotrichum sp, Scopulariopsis sp, and Saccharomyces sp. Candida sp occurred more followed by A. niger while Rodiotorula sp, Rhizopus sp, Saccharomyces sp and Geotrichum sp shared similar frequency and occurred the least. The study showed that fungal populations in the various farms were higher than those in the control. The fungal isolates from the various soil samples differed only little. The nutrient composition of farm soil revealed that the soil samples contain nutrients necessary for fungus and crop growth. The results suggest that plants residue can play a pivotal role in fungal population in soil.

Correlation Between Chest X-Ray with Fungal Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Patients

Fungal infections are the most severe infections in immunocompromised individuals and pulmonary involvement is the most common form of invasive tissue infection in immunocompromised hosts. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential given their high morbidity and mortality rates, reaching 50-100%. This study aims to analyse the correlation between chest X-rays and fungal pneumonia in immunocompromised patients to help diagnose and alleviate the morbidity and mortality burdens. This study is a retrospective analytic study conducted at Dr Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya, entailing 201 samples in the form of chest X-rays, sputum cultures and blood laboratories obtained from medical records from a period from January 2019 - December 2021. Among patients with a fungal infection, males predominated the group with 62.5% and the most frequent age group was between 50 and 59. The most common underlying condition of the patients was diabetes mellitus and the most pathogen discovered was Candida sp. Most patients presented with mild diseases (41.79%), with the majority of chest x-rays featuring consolidations and ground-glass opacity. There is a poor correlation between ground glass opacity/infiltrate in the left paracardial and reticulonodular pattern with fungal pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, with a poor negative correlation between lymphocyte count and NLR (neutrophil lymphocyte ratio) value with fungal infection and severity degree of chest radiographs. Chest x-ray images along with clinical information such as age and laboratory tests can assist radiologists in making a differential diagnosis of fungal pneumonia.

Comparison between two antimicrobial photodynamic therapy protocols for oral candidiasis in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer: A two-arm, single-blind clinical trial

Purpose This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) with 300 µmol/L of methylene blue and 8 µmol/L of curcumin on oral candidiasis patients with HNSCC undergoing treatment.Methods A two-arm, single-blind clinical trial was performed. Following verification for eligibility (n = 447), 108 patients were included in the study. The study consisted of a group that received aPDT with methylene blue (n = 57) and another that received aPDT with curcumin (n = 51). The patients rinsed their mouths with an aqueous solution of 300 µmol/L of methylene blue and 8 µmol/L of curcumin in four sessions, and then the lesion was scraped for the subsequent RT-qPCR. The primary outcome was that no cure was presented for oral candidiasis after treatment. The secondary result was reducing the number of sites affected by oral candidiasis.Results There was no difference in treatment failure evaluated by the necessity of drug prescription or Candida sp DNA quantification. However, clinically the methylene blue protocol reduced the number of infected anatomical sites compared to the curcumin protocol.Conclusion Methylene blue aPDT reduced the number of infected anatomical sites compared to curcumin.

Marine Compounds with Anti-Candida sp. Activity: A Promised “Land” for New Antifungals

Candida albicans is still the major yeast causing human fungal infections. Nevertheless, in the last decades, non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) (e.g., Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis) have been increasingly linked to Candida sp. infections, mainly in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. The escalade of antifungal resistance among Candida sp. demands broadly effective and cost-efficient therapeutic strategies to treat candidiasis. Marine environments have shown to be a rich source of a plethora of natural compounds with substantial antimicrobial bioactivities, even against resistant pathogens, such as Candida sp. This short review intends to briefly summarize the most recent marine compounds that have evidenced anti-Candida sp. activity. Here, we show that the number of compounds discovered in the last years with antifungal activity is growing. These drugs have a good potential to be used for the treatment of candidiasis, but disappointedly the reports have devoted a high focus on C. albicans, neglecting the NCACs, highlighting the need to perform outspreading studies in the near future.

The quandary of incorrect practice toward unused and expired pharmaceutical products in households

Degradation of cefdinir from pharmaceutical waste water using immobilized Candida sp. SMN04 and biofilm formed on gravelsAdikesavan Selvi, Monidipa Banerjee, Nilanjana Das

Production of Xylitol from Corn Biomass using Candida sp. As Microbial Agent

Xylitol, C5H12O5, is a white and odorless crystalline powder of sweetening agents that included as low-calorie sweetener. It could be used as a healthy ingredient for food and pharmaceutical. Natural sources of xylitol are fruit and vegetable, even in minute quantities. At industrial scale, xylitol is produced through hydrolysis and hydrogenation process of lignocellulosic materials. The aim of this research was to study the production of xylitol from corn biomass using Candida sp. as a microbial agent. The research was conducted using different species of Candida sp. (C. guilliermondii and C. tropicalis) and supplement media growth (with or without glucose). Xylitol concentration was examined after fermentation for 3 and 5 days. The results showed that corncob is a promising material to use in producing xylitol from lignocellulosic biomass. The longer fermentation time, the higher xylitol concentration, ranged from 0.049 to 0.088 g/L. However, compare to another microbe species, the treatment using Candida tropicalis showed that long fermentation resulted in a lower xylitol concentration. The addition of glucose as co-substrate increased xylose consumption rate and xylitol productivity. These results provide useful information to develop further study about xylitol production using agricultural biomass.